Panasonic unveils the Toughbook H2

The latest in the Toughbook line of rugged computers has been unveiled by Panasonic Solutions Co. The Toughbook H2 is a rugged, ergonomic Windows tablet PC designed for mobility, performance, and connectivity in the field, Panasonic said

Jul 14, 2011

The latest in the Toughbook line of rugged computers has been unveiled by Panasonic Solutions Co. The Toughbook H2 is a rugged, ergonomic Windows tablet PC designed for mobility, performance, and connectivity in the field, Panasonic said.

The computer includes an enhanced Intel Core i5-2557M vPro processor (1.7 GHz with “turbo boost” up to 2.7 GHz) and 4 GB of RAM, expandable to 8 GB. There is also a 320 GB 7,200 rpm hard disk drive with an optional 128 GB solid state drive available.

“Panasonic is committed to providing our customers the ultimate in performance, mobility and connectivity,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management. “The Toughbook H2’s enhancements are designed to provide mission-critical workers with additional functionality and computing capabilities. The H2 maintains the same level of durability as the previous models and continues the H1’s industry-leading reliability of less than one percent annualized failure rate.”

A full 6.5 hours of battery life comes with the computer, including fast-charging twin hot-swappable batteries. The PC weighs 3.5 lbs. and includes Panasonic’s TransflectivePlus technology for screen viewability in all lighting conditions. Panasonic has also upgraded the desktop cradle to improve charge time to 3 hours.

The H2 comes with a 10.1 in. dual touch display with both a digitizer and touchscreen functionality as well as a molded hand strap to make it easier to use either standing or sitting. It is MIL-STD-810G tested with a 6 ft. drop rating.

To improve connectivity in the field, Panasonic has included WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional Gobi2000 3G mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. The device works on the Sprint and Verizon Wireless 3G networks with others planned for later in the year, Panasonic said. Support for 4G networks will be available later this year.

Optional integrated features include barcode and RFID readers, camera, and GPS receiver. The Toughbook H2 includes multiple security features, including options for a fingerprint reader, contactless or insertable SmartCard reader for government common access cards (CACs), to ensure that critical data is kept secure.